Edmonds is a lively town that shines brightest during the holiday season. Each year, locals and visitors gather to enjoy community traditions, festive markets, live performances, and the magic of lights along the waterfront. From the tree lighting ceremony to sailing on the Argosy Cruises Christmas Ship™ Festival, there is something for everyone to enjoy.
This guide highlights the top holiday activities in Edmonds to help you plan a memorable visit and make the most of the season.
Explore the Edmonds Holiday Market
One of the most popular holiday events in Edmonds is the Holiday Market, where you can explore festive stalls, seasonal foods, and community activities. Here is why it is a great place to enjoy local traditions, find special gifts, and try holiday treats:
Local Vendors and Seasonal Goods
The Edmonds Holiday Market brings together many local vendors who share their best seasonal goods. You can walk through the stalls and find handmade crafts and unique gifts made by local artisans. Shopping here not only helps you find thoughtful presents but also supports small businesses in the community.
Along with crafts and decor, the market also offers seasonal food and locally made products. You can pick up seasonal treats and drinks that highlight the flavors of the holidays. Exploring these vendors allows you to enjoy the holiday spirit in a simple, local way.
Festive Foods and Treats
The Edmonds Holiday Market is not only about gifts, it is also about food. You can warm yourself up with many tasty holiday snacks. The flavor of baked items fills the air, and you will find cookies, pastries, and fresh breads to enjoy right away or take home.
Additionally, street food vendors make the market even more fun with seasonal favorites. From savory bites to sweet holiday treats, there is something for every craving. Trying these foods adds extra joy to your visit, especially when you are exploring it with your friends and family.
Community Vibe
Other than shopping and food, the Edmonds Holiday Market is also known for its community vibe. Local musicians often play live music and fill the streets with cheerful songs that make the event lively. Families will also find fun activities for kids, so everyone can enjoy the holiday season together.
Since the market takes place in downtown Edmonds, you can also explore nearby shops, galleries, and cafes during your visit. It is not just a place to shop, it is a tradition that brings people together to celebrate the season.
Attend the Edmonds Tree Lighting Ceremony
Another popular highlight of the holiday season in Edmonds is the annual Tree Lighting Ceremony. The event highlights the strong community spirit of Edmonds while offering plenty of music, entertainment, and activities for all ages.
Annual Tradition
The Tree Lighting Ceremony takes place at Centennial Plaza in downtown Edmonds. Each year, the plaza turns into the center of holiday fun, decorated with lights and seasonal displays. The Edmonds Chamber of Commerce hosts the event, and it has become a favorite tradition that both locals and visitors look forward to every year.
This tradition is all about bringing people together in a welcoming space. The event gives you a chance to enjoy time with others and experience the true holiday spirit of Edmonds.
Music and Entertainment
The Tree Lighting Ceremony also includes live entertainment that sets the mood for the evening. Local choirs, groups, and community bands perform holiday songs and carols for everyone to enjoy. Along with choirs and carolers, live bands often play familiar holiday tunes that invite the crowd to sing along and take part in the celebration.
The music keeps the energy high and adds to the excitement leading up to the big tree lighting. With so much entertainment, the ceremony becomes a full community celebration where everyone feels included and part of the holiday fun.
Family-Friendly Atmosphere
Apart from music and lights, the Tree Lighting Ceremony is also known for its family-friendly activities. Santa often makes an appearance, giving kids the chance to take photos and share their holiday wishes. Volunteers and vendors usually serve seasonal treats to increase the cozy holiday mood.
These family activities make the Tree Lighting Ceremony a special outing for all ages. You can sip warm drinks, walk along the decorated streets, and take part in local holiday traditions. The mix of entertainment, food, and festive activities makes it one of the most enjoyable events in Edmonds.
Enjoy Waterfront Festivities and Lights
After visiting the market and the tree lighting ceremony, you can keep the holiday spirit alive at the waterfront. Here is what you can do there:
Edmonds Marina Holiday Lights
The Port of Edmonds Marina is one of the main attractions for waterfront activities. During the season, the marina shines with festive lights, and many boats are decorated to create a sparkling view. The setting feels lively yet calm, giving you the chance to enjoy the lights reflecting on the water.
As you visit, take your time strolling along the marina to see all the details. The glowing lights on the water and the decorated boats make this display unique compared to other holiday spots in Edmonds.
Best Spots for Evening Walks
One of the best ways to enjoy the waterfront lights is by taking an evening walk. The marina paths give you clear views of the decorated boats and nearby buildings. As you walk, you can see the lights from different angles and take in the full holiday scene.
Another good place for a walk is the Edmonds fishing pier, which gives wide views of the marina. From here, the decorated boats and holiday reflections are easy to see. The pier is a great spot if you want a peaceful stroll and a close look at the city lights.
Perfect Photo Backdrops
Other than walking, the marina is also an excellent place for holiday photos. The lights on the boats and nearby buildings make a perfect backdrop for holiday photos. You can also check out the viewpoints near the marina office and along the shoreline paths.
From these spots, you get a clear view of the lights shining on the water, which makes photos extra special. Make sure to visit in the evening, when the lights are brightest, to capture your memorable holiday moments.
Set Sail on the Argosy Cruises Christmas Ship™ Festival
Apart from activities on land, Edmonds also gives you the chance to join a special Northwest holiday tradition on the water. The Argosy Cruises Christmas Ship™ Festival has been a part of the season for over 75 years, and now there is a departure point right in Edmonds.
New Edmonds Departure
With the new Edmonds departure, you can join the Christmas Ship™ Festival without driving to Seattle. Now, you can board right from the Edmonds waterfront and be part of this holiday event. This makes the festival easier to reach and helps you feel connected to one of the region’s favorite traditions.
From Edmonds, you still get the full Christmas Ship™ experience, where you will enjoy the same music, lights, and festive activities as any other departure. For visitors exploring the area for the day, this departure option is an easy way to connect waterfront activities and continue the celebration out on the water.
Onboard Experience
When you step on board the Spirit of Seattle™, you are welcomed by a warm holiday setting. The ship is covered in hundreds of white lights, and inside it feels cozy and ready for you to enjoy the ride. During the hour-and-a-half cruise, you can listen to live choirs singing holiday songs and hear festive stories.
As you enjoy the activities on board, you will also get to take in the views of Puget Sound in winter. This mix of music, lights, and scenery makes the cruise a complete holiday experience that you can enjoy from start to finish.
Magical Sound Experience
One of the best parts of the Christmas Ship™ Festival is how the music is shared with everyone. The choirs sing for people on the ship and for those on the shore. This makes the event enjoyable for both passengers and the community.
If you are on the ship, you can listen to the choir up close and be part of the celebration. At the same time, people on land can also enjoy the songs as the ship sails by. This way, the festival connects both groups and creates one holiday memory that everyone can share.
Discover Holiday Arts & Performances
To wrap up your list of holiday activities in Edmonds, you should also check out the city’s arts and culture. During the season, local theaters, galleries, and music groups put on special events that add even more fun to the celebrations.
Edmonds Center for the Arts
The Edmonds Center for the Arts, or ECA, is one of the top spots to enjoy holiday shows. This 700-seat theater in downtown Edmonds is known for hosting concerts, plays, and ballet. Each holiday season, ECA offers a mix of performances like holiday concerts, family plays, and seasonal ballets.
These shows bring in both locals and visitors who want to enjoy live entertainment in a cozy setting. With its mix of professional performances and community events, ECA is a big part of holiday celebrations in Edmonds.
Local Galleries and Artisan Shops
In addition to theaters, Edmonds also has many art galleries and small shops that show off local talent. During the holidays, these places often put on special displays which include handmade crafts, original art, and unique gifts. As you walk through downtown, you can see galleries with holiday exhibits and shops filled with items that make great presents.
When you shop at these local spots, you also support Edmonds artists and makers. You will find many artisan pieces you won’t see in big stores. Exploring these art scenes during the holidays makes gift-giving more special and helps you connect with the creative spirit of the community.
Seasonal Music and Theater
Along with the big shows at ECA, Edmonds also has smaller music and theater events during the holidays. Local choirs, groups, and community theaters often put on concerts, plays, and festive performances. These shows might include classic holiday songs, fun seasonal plays, or new stories with a holiday theme.
Also, many of the performers are from Edmonds or nearby towns, so you get to cheer on local talent. With so many options, there is something for everyone to enjoy during the holiday season.
Make the Most of the Holidays in Edmonds
Spending the holidays in Edmonds gives you the best mix of small-town charm and festive fun. Whether you are shopping for local gifts, enjoying a performance, or watching the waterfront light up from the deck of a ship, Edmonds creates lasting memories for everyone. To make your holiday trip even more special, reserve your spot on the Argosy Cruises Christmas Ship™ Festival and experience the holidays from the water.
Frequently Asked Questions
When does the Edmonds Holiday Market take place?
The market takes place on Saturdays in November and December before Christmas. You can check the City of Edmonds event calendar to see the exact dates each year.
Do I need tickets for the Edmonds Tree Lighting Ceremony?
No, you do not need tickets, and the event is free for everyone. However, it is recommended to come early so you can enjoy the music, see the performances, and get a good spot to watch the tree light up.
How do I book tickets for the Argosy Cruises Christmas Ship™ Festival from Edmonds?
You can buy tickets for the Argosy Cruises Christmas Ship™ Festival directly on the Argosy Cruises website. Since Edmonds departures are very popular and spots are limited, it’s a good idea to book your tickets early.
Are holiday arts events in Edmonds family-friendly?
Yes, most of the concerts, plays, and local shows are made for families. They welcome all ages and often include fun, festive themes that both kids and adults can enjoy together.
